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Maybe you became a nurse because you were inspired by an event in your past. Or perhaps a compassionate and caring nurse left a lasting impression on you. Or maybe you were just compelled to help people in their time of need. Whatever the reason you made nursing your career choice, is it as fulfilling as you expected?

There are many different nursing career choices and pathways, but perhaps the most unique and rewarding is home health care nursing. Why? Because it allows you to do the most fundamental kind of caring—the kind that really makes a difference in people’s lives.

Why home health care nursing is a great career

1) More flexibility for work-life balance.

Home health care offers many care assignment options, such as full-time, part-time, per diem, and even night and weekend positions. A full-service provider with a wide range of pediatric, adult, and senior patients will be able to offer you assignments that match your expertise and preferences of scheduling and patient population. You can create your perfect schedule designed around what works best for your needs.

If you enjoy working more independently while still being part of a caring team, home health care strikes the perfect balance. Home health care professionals working for a full-service provider such as BAYADA , benefit from 24-hour clinical support, industry-leading training, continuing education, and career development—all while having more autonomy in their work.

2) Job growth

According to The Bureau of Labor and Statistics, employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 16 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations. Growth will occur for a number of reasons, including an increased emphasis on preventive care; growing rates of chronic conditions, such as diabetes and obesity; and demand for health care services from the baby-boom population, as they live longer and more active lives.

3) Career advancement

In home health care, you have the opportunity to grow from a field nurse to a nurse manager and beyond. Across the industry, experienced nurses who become nurse managers help make sure the care plans are followed, and proper techniques are used for each client. From your first day in the field, you can build on your skills and experiences to shape yourself into a leadership role. To learn more about a day in the life of a nurse manager, Click here.

4) Chance to learn new skills

Seniors are the fastest-growing population needing health care services. However, there are people of all ages with serious illnesses, injuries, or disabilities receiving complex care at home.

Although seniors are the fastest growing population needing health care services, technological advances have made complex care in the home available to people of all ages. Some homes become “mini-ICUs” in which high-tech nursing—including tracheostomy and ventilator care—help people live safely in the comfort of their own homes.

As a home health care nurse, learning new skills is important for both caring for your client and enhancing your individual growth each and every day. Many companies offer skills training that can help you build your certification list, helping to advance your career in salary, responsibility, and job title.

5) Reward and recognition

The one-on-one care you provide as a home health care nurse is truly rewarding. Your patients appreciate that because of you, they are able to stay safe at home, where they want to be. Some companies, like BAYADA, have generous recognition programs, scholarships, and award ceremonies to express their appreciation and to support your career. Be sure to find one that fits with your goals.

Author

BAYADA Home Health Care is a trusted leader in providing clinical care and support services at home for children and adults of all ages. Since 1975, company founder Mark Baiada has been at the forefront of the home health care movement — working to give people greater access to high-quality care that helps them live safely at home.